Brita and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have eliminated 481,000 single-use plastic bottles from UK tennis events over the past two years, as part of a wider push to promote refill-first solutions across the hospitality industry. The partnership, which sees Brita serve as the official sustainable water partner to the LTA, has introduced filtered water stations and reusable bottles at major British WTA and ATP events including Queen’s Club, Birmingham, Nottingham and Eastbourne. According to Brita, the model offers a scalable approach for hospitality businesses seeking to reduce waste, cut costs and improve sustainability without compromising the guest experience. David Hall, managing director of Brita UK, said: “This isn’t just a sustainability win – it’s proof that with the right infrastructure and messaging, you can drive real behaviour change. Hospitality has enormous influence, and even small changes – when made consistently and visibly – can create a ripple effect that shifts industry norms and accelerates the move away from single-use culture.” Practical steps for hospitality operators Brita and the LTA’s initiative highlights how hospitality businesses could adapt similar strategies to reduce plastic waste and encourage reuse. 1. Improve access and visibility At LTA events, refill stations were prominently placed and integrated into digital wayfinding tools, helping attendees locate hydration points easily. For hospitality settings such as hotels and venues, clearly signposted refill infrastructure could make sustainable choices more accessible to guests. 2. Engage with guests before arrival Attendees were encouraged to bring reusable bottles at the ticketing stage and received reminders via email and mobile apps. This approach, Brita suggests, can be replicated by hospitality businesses to shape guest habits in advance and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. 3. Focus on long-term integration The LTA and Brita worked together on a strategy that included staff training and operational changes. The partnership underlines the importance of long-term planning and collaboration when implementing sustainability initiatives across both guest-facing and behind-the-scenes operations.

Sadaf Foods has unveiled its first-ever electric Mediterranean Coffee Maker, designed to modernise a centuries-old brewing tradition while preserving its authentic taste. Founded in 1982, Sadaf is a Los Angeles-based company that imports, manufactures and distributes Mediterranean, kosher and speciality foods. The machine uses rapid brewing to prepare up to four cups of Turkish, Greek, Armenian or other Mediterranean-style coffee in minutes. It features one-touch operation, automatic foam control and a built-in overflow sensor. Unlike standard electric coffee makers, it boils ground coffee without the need for filters or disposable pods. Users add finely ground coffee, water and sugar if desired. No stovetop or sand is required. Sadaf's director of e-commerce, Daniella Soofer, said: "Although Sadaf is renowned for our best-selling teas, we absolutely love a great cup of Mediterranean coffee and are so excited about this launch. Plus coffee pairs so well with Sadaf's selection of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean sweets." The Mediterranean Coffee Maker, which is available in red or black colours, retails for $69 via the company's websites and at select retailers.

Jestic Foodservice Solutions has partnered with Bear Robotics to bring the company’s advanced Servi+ service robot to the UK, offering live demonstrations at its development kitchen in Paddock Wood, Kent. The partnership comes as the hospitality industry continues to grapple with rising labour costs and staffing shortages. The Servi+ robot, developed by California-based Bear Robotics, is designed to ease those pressures by supporting service operations in restaurants and other foodservice environments. Founded in 2017, Bear Robotics brings together over 15 years of expertise in software, robotics and hospitality. Its Servi+ model features a 16-dish capacity, multi-table delivery and all-floor navigation capable of handling ramps and transporting liquids. The robot also includes responsive LED lighting, a customisable messaging display for guest interaction, and accommodates up to four extra-large trays with adjustable configurations. Michael Eyre, product director at Jestic Foodservice Solutions comments: “It’s a pleasure to showcase the Servi+ at our demonstration Kitchen in Paddock Wood. With the ongoing issue of labour costs effecting the industry, we’re proud to be championing a product that provides an innovative solution." "With these service robots, not only are they increasing operational efficiency, but they also increase staff satisfaction, reducing burdens like heavy lifting and burnout.”

Westrock Coffee Company is opening a new 525,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Conway, Arkansas, as part of its strategy to scale production and meet rising demand for single-serve coffee products. The facility, located on William J Clark Drive and referred to as the 'Clark' site, will initially focus on producing single-serve coffee, with room for future expansion into other formats. Of the total space, 130,000 square feet will be dedicated to manufacturing, while the rest will support 'fulfillment and distribution'. The move comes as the global market for coffee pods is projected to grow from $35.3 billion in 2024 to $71.2 billion by 2034. Westrock said it aims to meet this demand with technology capable of producing millions of single-serve cups daily. Will Ford, COO at Westrock Coffee, said: "The single-serve category is evolving rapidly, and we are scaling our operations to meet our customers' needs. This expansive new facility significantly enhances our capabilities in the US market, and we are excited about the opportunities it will create for our existing and potential customers, employees, and the local community here in central Arkansas." In 2024, Westrock opened a $315 million manufacturing facility in Conway dedicated to producing ready-to-drink coffee products. Once fully operational, Westrock's Conway facilities are expected to employ 900 people across manufacturing, quality assurance and logistics roles.

Gatorade is making waves in the hydration market with the launch of its latest product, Gatorade Hydration Booster Relax, designed specifically to support athletes and active consumers beyond traditional sports scenarios. This innovative drink mix aims to provide a functional solution for relaxation and recovery, tapping into the growing demand for products that cater to wellness and daily hydration needs. Gatorade Hydration Booster Relax features a unique formulation that combines electrolytes with functional ingredients such as L-Theanine and magnesium. These components are well-regarded for their ability to promote relaxation and help mitigate stress, making this drink mix an ideal choice for consumers looking to unwind after physical activity or a long day. Available in a refreshing Raspberry Lemon flavour, the product is crafted without artificial flavours, sweeteners or added colours, aligning with the increasing consumer preference for clean label products. Gatorade's commitment to science-driven innovation is evident in the development of the Hydration Booster, which is supported by research from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. This backing not only enhances the product's credibility but also positions it as a serious contender in the functional beverage category. By focusing on hydration that goes beyond performance, Gatorade is addressing a broader spectrum of consumer needs, particularly among those who prioritise both physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Ty Nant, a player in the premium bottled water sector, has acquired Strathmore Water from AG Barr, marking a significant strategic move for both brands. The deal underscores Ty Nant's aim to enhance its operational scale and geographic footprint while preserving the distinct heritage of Strathmore, an established name in the UK water market. Strathmore Water, with its origins in Forfar, Scotland, has built a strong reputation in hospitality, foodservice and leisure sectors over the decades. The acquisition ensures that Strathmore will continue to be bottled at its source in Scotland, safeguarding local jobs and maintaining its legacy. Raminder Sidhu, chairman and director of Ty Nant, highlighted the importance of the Strathmore brand and its dedicated team in Forfar. “This is a brand with a deep legacy and a loyal following, and we are honoured to be entrusted with its next chapter,” he said. “At the heart of Strathmore’s success is the incredible team in Forfar," Sidhu continued. "Their professionalism, passion and care are a true testament to the strength of the brand and the business. We’re proud to welcome them into the Ty Nant family and excited to invest further in their future.” The acquisition comes at a time when Ty Nant has experienced substantial growth, securing partnerships with leading hotels, retailers and cultural institutions globally. By integrating Strathmore into its portfolio, Ty Nant aims to enhance its market position while continuing to operate Strathmore as a distinctly Scottish brand. The company plans to invest in sustainability initiatives and strengthen customer partnerships, positioning the Forfar site as a key asset for future development. Ty Nant is known for its distinctive blue and crimson glass bottles and premium spring water sourced from Wales. The brand has rapidly ascended in the competitive drinks market, recently being recognised in the Sunday Times 100 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the UK. AG Barr, a UK-based beverage company known for brands scuh as Irn-Bru and Rubicon, has owned Strathmore Water since 2006. With the sale, AG Barr continues its focus on its core beverage portfolio while transferring the stewardship of Strathmore to Ty Nant, which aims to uphold the brand’s legacy. As the bottled water market evolves, Ty Nant’s acquisition of Strathmore reflects broader trends in the industry, including a growing emphasis on regional sourcing, sustainability and premium product offerings. The move positions Ty Nant to leverage Strathmore’s established market presence while contributing to the ongoing growth of the premium bottled water segment in the UK and beyond

Farmer Brothers Coffee has begun evaluating strategic alternatives aimed at maximising shareholder value. The US-based coffee and tea distributor said its board has formed a strategy committee made up of independent directors to evaluate a broad range of potential strategic alternatives and make recommendations to the full board. The move comes after several years of underperformance and follows the 2023 sale of its direct ship business, which aimed to streamline operations. Despite some operational improvements, the company continues to face financial challenges. Farmer Brothers's chairman of the board, David Pace, said: “Since the 2023 sale of our direct ship business, we have been focused on improving our financial and operational structure and are pleased with the progress we have made. We believe now is the right time to explore additional options that could allow us to more effectively maximise shareholder value." No timeline has been set for the review, and the company said there is no guarantee it will result in a transaction.

Premium chocolate brand, Fatso, has introduced a new flavour – called Drunk’n Monkey – as part of its ongoing effort to redefine the dark chocolate market. The product, which retails at £7.25 for a 150g bar, features crisped banana chips infused with rum and sprinkled with sea salt, all enveloped in Fatso's signature dark Colombian chocolate. Launched in September 2022, Fatso has positioned itself as a disruptor in the chocolate industry, challenging the notion that dark chocolate must be serious and reserved. The brand aims to appeal to consumers who seek both indulgence and fun in their chocolate choices. Co-Founder Ella McKay said: “There’s no monkeying around with this flavour! We’ve carefully combined a tropical trio of ingredients and covered it in our delicious single-origin dark chunky chocolate”. The introduction of Drunk’n Monkey aligns with Fatso's strategy to offer unique confectionery flavour combinations that appeal to adventurous consumers. The brand sources its cacao from Luker Chocolate in Colombia, ensuring high quality and ethical production practices. This commitment to single-origin, Fino de Aroma certified cacao reflects growing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability in food sourcing. Drunk’n Monkey is available for purchase online, with plans for wider distribution through independent retailers and wholesalers in the coming months. This phased rollout is designed to maximise visibility and accessibility for both retail partners and consumers. Fatso's distribution strategy includes partnerships with over 300 independent and premium retailers across the UK, such as Liberty and Harvey Nichols, as well as various food service outlets. The brand's focus on independent retailers highlights a growing trend in the food and beverage sector, where consumers increasingly seek out unique, high-quality products that stand out from mass-produced alternatives. The chocolate industry has also seen a rise in ethical consumerism, with many buyers prioritizing brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices. Fatso’s collaboration with Luker Chocolate, which emphasises fair treatment of farmers and environmental stewardship, positions the brand favourably in this evolving market landscape.

US café chain Reborn Coffee has signed a $1.7 million master licensing agreement with the Arjomand Group to expand its retail presence across the Middle East, Europe, Eastern Europe and MENA regions. Under the deal, Arjomand Group will develop Reborn Coffee-branded stores and product lines in key international markets. The agreement is part of Reborn’s global expansion strategy and includes a milestone-based payment structure, with an initial licensing fee due at signing. Jay Kim, CEO of Reborn Coffee, said: "This agreement with the Arjomand Group is more than a financial milestone – it is a strategic inflection point for our brand. With their operational reach and regional expertise, we're entering new markets with a powerful partner that shares our vision of building a lifestyle-driven, premium coffee brand." Reborn is also preparing to open a flagship drive-thru store at the Abu Dhabi Group’s headquarters. The launch will include distribution to 17 hotels and thousands of corporate employees, establishing the brand’s presence in the UAE.

HRC, the trade event for hospitality and foodservice professionals, has unveiled a significant new direction for its 2026 edition, promising a completely transformed experience when it returns to ExCeL London from 30 March to 1 April.   Based on detailed feedback from exhibitors, partners and visitors, and shaped by independent industry research, HRC is undergoing a thoughtful and ambitious transformation. The show will relocate to ExCeL London’s South Hall, joining The Pub Show and the new hospitality tech event, Hospitality Tech360. This move reflects a broader shift in focus, with a redesigned layout and new features aimed at fostering genuine connection, showcasing innovation and supporting the business needs of the fast-moving hospitality industry.   “This is so much more than a refresh,” commente Jo Farish, event manager for HRC. “We’ve taken a deep dive into what the industry really wants from its dedicated trade show. The result is a bold reinvention of HRC; one that celebrates creativity, drives innovation, and creates opportunities to connect in ways that feel natural and impactful. The energy building for 2026 is electric, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone to this new era.” What’s new for 2026? New for HRC 2026 are dedicated show sections including Bar, Pastry, Street Food and Pizza & Pasta, which will showcase immersive, trend-led experiences and a diverse range of suppliers ready to elevate hospitality offerings. The introduction of Pastry HQ, which expands on the popular Chef HQ feature, curated by Chef Publishing, and the Future of Drinks Stage alongside the ever-popular Vision Stage will add further depth to HRC’s already powerful content programme, combining high-energy panels with practical insight and live demos.    Another new addition, the Chef’s Table, will offer a curated space where top chefs cook live using products from the show, creating an engaging, real-time showcase of innovation and quality. Designed with senior buyers and multi-site operators in mind, it’s a setting that encourages meaningful dialogue, product discovery, and valuable brand exposure, all in an environment that feels more like a conversation than a pitch.    New digital tools and event features will elevate networking across the three days. A new matchmaking app, a Meet the Buyer programme and a buzzing calendar of social and networking events mean more face time, better leads, and meaningful conversations.    Scott Duncan, managing director of exhibiting brand Unox, commented: “The Unox team are greatly looking forward to taking part in HRC 2026. HRC is a key event in the UK’s hospitality and catering calendar, bringing together senior leaders from across the industry to exchange ideas and discover new professional kitchen solutions. We can’t wait to showcase the latest developments from Unox at the show and connect with chefs and operators from across the sector.”    Stuart Jeffrey, marketing director at Unilever Food Solutions UK&I-ANZ, highlighted: “HRC 2025 was the perfect platform to launch our Future Menus Volume 3 report on the Vision Stage. It allowed us to connect with forward-thinking hospitality leaders and share insights shaping the future of food. The added brand exposure and access to HRC’s audience also extended our reach beyond the event. We were proud to partner with HRC in driving innovation and helping operators stay ahead of evolving diner expectations.”    Tom Holloway, head chef, The Pig Hotel in Harlyn Bay, added: “HRC is exceptional, an amazing celebration of hospitality, food and drink, showcasing creativity and passion in our industry”.   With a revitalised atmosphere, re-energised format and an engaged audience hungry for what’s next, HRC 2026 promises to be the UK’s most exciting hospitality trade event revival.    Find out more about everything happening as part of HRC 2026, and enquire into exhibiting or speaking at the show here .

Kent, UK-based speciality coffee brand Lost Sheep Coffee has secured a major supply partnership with Meta UK, becoming the official iced coffee supplier to its London headquarters. The deal marks a significant milestone for the independent brand, with its Iced Latte Coffee Cans now served to over 5,000 employees across Meta’s platforms – including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger – replacing Jimmy’s Iced Coffee within Meta offices. The new supply deal will be managed via The To Go Group – a premium food and drink supplier for some of the world’s most recognised companies. Each can of Lost Sheep Coffee is brewed using the brand’s signature ‘Get To The Hopper’ blend, crafted from 100% traceable Colombian and Brazilian Arabica beans, roasted in small batches at the company’s Whitstable site. Unlike many RTD offerings, Lost Sheep’s iced coffee is brewed using freshly ground beans, with no instant coffee used. Speaking about the deal, Stuart Wilson, founder of Lost Sheep Coffee, said: “This partnership with The To Go Group and Meta is a huge moment for us”. “As a small independent brand, we’ve worked hard to compete at the highest level. Our cans are brewed to deliver a genuine barista-quality experience, accessible, unpretentious and made with total traceability from farm to can.” He added. Lost Sheep Iced Latte Coffee Cans are available online, retailing at £2.30 per 250ml can. Lost Sheep took home 'Best Ready-to-Drink Product' at the World Coffee Innovation Awards 2024 – do you have a product that could rival it? Why not enter this year's edition? Find out more here . Top image: © Lost Sheep Coffee

Arla Protein has introduced a new ready-to-drink milkshake designed for busy consumers seeking convenient and indulgent snack options. This launch marks the brand's first foray into the ready-to-drink protein category, offering a product that combines taste and nutrition in a portable format. Arla Protein Milkshake, available in 200ml cups, features a creamy texture and delivers 20g of protein per serving. It is lactose-free, contains no added sugars and is under 182 calories, making it an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers. The milkshake comes in two flavours: Vanilla Fudge and Chocolate Brownie, which are positioned as satisfying treats for afternoon breaks or evening enjoyment. Notably, this product is the first protein shake to use a cup-and-straw format, enhancing its convenience for on-the-go consumption. The packaging allows consumers to easily extend the straw and enjoy the milkshake anywhere, meeting increasing demand for portable meal solutions for fast-paced lifestyle. Amy Punchard, brand manager for Arla Protein UK, highlighted the product's alignment with consumer preferences for indulgent yet health-oriented snacks. “This indulgent milkshake offers active consumers a permissible treat that fits seamlessly into their health goals,” she said. The product is currently available at Asda and is set to launch at Sainsbury's on 3 September.